“I miss you guys too. Well, maybe not Nick.”
When the laughter abated, Nick chimed in, “I love you too and we miss your cooking!”
“Hey, I’m not so bad.”
The crew groaned at Cass’s defense of her cooking. Michelle smoothed it over and started the meeting.
“Cass, I will send you some recipes. You like cooking, you can get Corb to help. Corb, why the meeting?”
“Has the TCCC contacted you again? I brought the Ajawlil to defend Earth, but the TCCC seems to have their panties in a wad.”
The Plentari looked at each other, waiting for their translators to decipher Corb’s phrasing. When the translation was corrected, Jirmina and Jirxena both grunted disapprovals. Michelle pressed ahead.
“No, they have not contacted me. I receive informational updates from them but nothing significant or germane to the Ajawlil.”
“Okay, maybe this is localized to a few members of the TCCC. Davinder, what about you? Are they pressing you?”
“No, Corb, the opposite. Since you were here last and Jirxena issued the warning, they have left me alone. Which is good on the surface, but bad if they have been planning and I am out of the loop.”
“Okay, what do we do? Earth needs defending. I am not sending the Ajawlil home. What is the real problem with the TCCC?”
After a short pause, Michelle spoke.
“I have an idea.”
Over the next hour, the Coterie, Davinder, Jan, Himari, and Michelle discussed Michelle’s small idea. The germ Michelle proposed mushroomed into a full-blown strategy.
“Captain Turner, thank you for joining our discussion. This link is secure, please confirm you are alone.”
Captain Joshua Turner’s eyebrows raised, and he pressed a couple icons on his desk.
“We are secure now.”
Corb, Davinder, and Michelle took turns filling in Captain Turner. When they completed the rundown, they waited.
“Makes sense to me. What do I tell Colonel Jyrode?”
Jirxena, who had not spoken a word during the entire discussion, interceded.
“Captain Turner, you order Colonel Jyrode to remain where he is until the planning efforts are complete. This is something the Plentari understand better than humans. Captain Turner, the Ajawlil take orders. Give them an order.”
Surprised at the bluntness, Josh deferred.
“Corb, Davinder, Lucinda?”
Lucinda looked to Davinder, who looked to Corb for a response.
“Jirxena is correct. Order them to wait. Sunday afternoon we will begin the off-loading. Any more questions? Michelle, are you good with the plan?”
“I am good if Davinder, Himari, and Jan are here with me.”
Jan bounced into the conversation.
“Do not worry, Michelle, we got your back. We’ll be there when you need us.”
Corb knew his friends would not let his love fail her mission.
Holding back tears, Corb put the plan into motion.
“Landry, get me the TCCC.”
Part Three
Enlightenment
ᛖᚾᛚᛁᚷᚻᛏᛖᚾᛗᛖᚾᛏ
Chapter Nineteen
ᚳᚻᚪᛈᛏᛖᚱ ᚾᛁᚾᛖᛏᛖᛖᚾ
“Distrust and caution are the parents of security.”
Benjamin Franklin
“Chairperson Patterson, thank you for taking my call. I can confirm this link is secure. Can you tell me what the TCCC is planning?”
Corb, Lucinda, Davinder, and Janice Patterson were on a video conference call. It was the first step in Michelle’s plan.
“Mister Johnson, you have the emails, you can guess what is happening here. Some of the TCCC are demanding the aliens withdraw. Others are demanding the aliens report directly to the TCCC. A couple want to use the aliens to remove you and take the Jaguar. There you have it. Same shite, different day.”
“Janice, that is why I trust you. You do not pull your words and you speak plainly. What I missed is your position. On which of sides do you land?”
“Corb, cutting the deal for the Ajawlil to defend Earth was the best short-term solution. We need protection and the Ajawlil are the best option. Colonel Jyrode will report to Davinder, who will continue to report to the TCCC. Himari and Jan will go to the docking station and supervise the assimilation.
“When the fighters begin rotating out, we will rotate our teams also. But that is merely my plan. I do not yet have the votes to make it happen.”
“That is why we are talking. I have a plan, but we are going to need until Sunday afternoon.”
“It is Thursday, what will three days give you? What are you waiting on?”
“Janice, hear us out.”
“Okay, I am listening.”
Corb pointed to Landry’s avatar and Michelle appeared on the video conference. After introductions, the team spent the next hour explaining Michelle’s plan, answering Councilperson Patterson’s questions, and making slight adjustments to the plan based on the discussion.
“It is agreed. I will call for the vote at twenty-one hundred, nine o’clock, Central European Time, Sunday night. Davinder?”
“Yes, Janice?”
“You fuck this up and we are all out on our asses.”
“Got it, success or I become a big box store greeter.”
Everyone smiled while the video connection to Councilperson Patterson faded.
“Davinder, Himari, Jan, I will come get you and take you to Postahoka. Jan, rent a car with four-wheel drive. We are putting the band back together. It will be like the old days. Rent something better than that POS Broncomobile.”
Jan snickered his response. “Will do.”
“Michelle, the team will arrive to collect you in the morning at eight. We will confirm the plan one more time and get Landry to confirm Miss Olivia’s arrival at the ministry.
“Last question. Landry, did you issue the false notice for the emergency meeting?”
“Yes, Corb. Only one recipient has not read and accepted the meeting notice.”
“Good, it will be a quorum. Enough talking, I’m coming to get you guys.”
Corb grabbed his hat and twisted to Lucinda.
“I am glad you suggested I let Davinder and the others handle the plan. You knew and I didn’t. Seeing her is still painful.”
“I got your back, Corb. Forever.”
Corb teleported off the Jaguar and appeared in the Q’eqchi conference room. Davinder, Himari, and Jan were standing next to their overnight bags. Corb took Davinder and Himari to the side of the Red Rash Inn in Postahoka, Texas. Corb took Jan to the Midland-Odessa Regional Airport rental car center. After collecting the rental vehicle, Jan would arrive at the Postahoka Red Rash Inn in under two hours.
“Landry, what is the status of Miss Olivia and the Ministry Board of Governors?”
“Michelle, the entire board is waiting for Miss Olivia to arrive. She is ten minutes away. If you depart now, you will arrive ten minutes after Miss Olivia.”
“Landry says we should leave now.”
Davinder and Jan kissed Nona on the cheek before leaving. Himari shook hands with Nona before walking out and climbing in the rear seat, next to Michelle. Jan drove with Davinder literally riding shotgun. Concealed. Only Michelle was not armed. Himari made nervous small talk.
“That is a nice dress. I do not remember you in anything but jeans or a suit.”
“Thank you, Himari. New me, new outfit. Dresses are so comfortable. Nona says what’s old is new again. I guess it all comes around eventually.”
Himari smiled and let the conversation fade away. They sat in silence until Jan stated the obvious, pulling into the massive parking lot. The ministry offices were to the rear of the oversized church.
“We’re here.”
Parking directly in front of the glass double doors, the quartet fell into the prearranged order. Jan, Himari, Michelle, with Davinder falling into his old ways, defending the six. As they walked through the
doors, the receptionist looked up and spoke timidly. Ignoring the receptionist, the four veered right and walked to the oak double doors that led to the large conference room.
Jan pulled and held open the right door. Himari stepped through and headed to the far end, where there was another exit with another set of double doors. Michelle walked in, followed by Davinder. Jan closed the door and, like Himari, stood with his back to the exit doors.
A board member was interrupted mid-sentence by the four entering the conference room.
“If you didn’t call the emergency meeting, who did? I have work …”
Michelle assumed control.
“Mister Garminka, I called the meeting. Miss Olivia, thank you for your attention to the ministry and all that you have done. Your services are no longer required.”
Michelle paused, not expecting the southern woman with a formal bearing to willingly give up her seat. Give up her seat literally. Waiting in silence, she had learned from Corb, had power. The board sat stunned, waiting.
“Miss Wilbon, you do not understand what you are doing. I will not relinquish control of the ministry. I will continue in the chairmanship role. Now, indulge me. You called this meeting. What did you expect to accomplish?”
Michelle grinned at the prim silver-haired woman before turning to face the table.
“Mister Garminka, you are the ministry’s lead attorney, is that correct?”
“That is correct, but I do not see …”
“You do not have to see, Mister Garminka, you have to answer some questions if you wish to remain in the role of lead attorney. Mister Garminka, who owns the Lite of Zion ministry?”
“Well, that is not …”
“Stop. I will ask again. If you fail to answer honestly, truthfully, and wholly, I will have you removed. Yes, that is a threat, take it seriously. Mister Garminka, who owns the Lite of Zion ministry?”
“Under the succession documents prepared by Reverend Treacher before he died, Misses Vivian Treacher became the sole owner at the time of his death.”
“There! I am Vivian’s closest living relative …”
Miss Olivia grabbed her throat, choking, unable to speak, her wide eyes pleading with Michelle.
“Do not speak again until I ask you a question. Do you understand?”
Nodding furiously, Miss Olivia gasped, inhaling gulps of air. Mister Garminka, shocked, continued.
“Before she disappeared, Misses Treacher modified the succession documents. She fully executed the transition to Miss Wilbon. Misses Treacher handed over the ministry two weeks before she disappeared.
“Miss Wilbon, you own the Lite of Zion ministry.”
“Thank you, Mister Garminka. Now tell me, why was Miss Olivia given the chairmanship? Why did the board of governors not elect one of the board members to the leadership position?”
His forehead now glistening with sweat, Mister Garminka looked at the table, unable to answer.
“Mister Garminka, you are dismissed. Take Miss Olivia with you. Maybe she can console you between the sheets one more time.”
“You will not …”
Before Miss Olivia could finish her sentence, Davinder stepped up, grabbed the high-back chair, and with a quick twist, dumped the sixty-four-year-old matriarch onto the carpet. Garminka ran around the table and leaned over to help Miss Olivia to her feet. Slapping his hand away, Miss Olivia stood, pressed her pantsuit smooth, and glared at Michelle.
“Where is my daughter?”
“Miss Olivia, Vivian is well. She will never return, but she is well. If you want, I will arrange for you to see her. But think carefully—if you see Vivian, you may not be permitted to return.
“Misses Pazzo … Olivia … you have my word, Vivian is well. She is becoming happy.”
“She is happy?”
“Yes, Olivia. She is learning to be happy.”
Davinder caught Garminka’s eye and with a slight nod indicated he should leave with Miss Oliva.
“Think on it, Olivia. Let me know what you decide. Consider carefully. Vivian is learning to be happy.”
Garminka reached up, grabbed Miss Olivia’s elbow, and guided her toward the front double doors. Looking back at Michelle, Miss Olivia did something no one present had ever seen. She let a tear run down her cheek and asked Michelle a question barely above a whisper.
“Little Lizzy is happy?”
“Yes, Olivia, Vivian is learning to be happy.”
Jan stepped back, pushing open the door, allowing the duo to depart. When the door closed, Michelle sat in Miss Olivia’s vacated chair. Davinder stepped over and stood behind a lithe woman with poorly dyed blonde hair.
Michelle spoke to the woman. “Misses McKenzie, you were Mister Garminka’s assistant. You passed the bar a year ago, this past spring, is that correct?”
“That is correct, Miss Wilbon.”
“Is it also true that for the last seven months, most the ministry’s legal work was researched and executed by you but credited to Mister Garminka?”
“Well...”
“This is no time to be shy or humble, Misses McKenzie.”
“Yes, I have done the heavy lifting.”
“I will entertain a motion to accept the resignations of Misses Treacher and Mister Garminka.”
“Motioned.”
“Seconded.”
“Show of hands, all in favor?”
Michelle was mildly surprised the vote was unanimous.
“Resolved. Is there a motion to promote Misses McKenzie to lead attorney for the Lite of Zion ministry?”
“Miss Wilbon, you do not need to request board consensus. You have sole ownership and can act unilaterally in most circumstances.”
“Misses McKenzie, may I call you Gerry?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Good, thank you, call me Michelle. Everyone, this board will vote as required by law. Regarding personnel and matters of significance, everything will be documented. I will not allow this to become an autocracy.
“It is my estimation that at least two of you will resign before we complete our discussions today. We will be formal and above-board. I asked if there was a motion to promote Misses McKenzie to lead attorney for the Lite of Zion ministry?”
“Motioned.”
“Seconded.”
“Show of hands, all in favor?”
Michelle was mildly surprised the vote was not unanimous.
“All opposed.”
Two board members abstained.
“The motion is passed with six ayes, zero nays, and two abstentions. Colonel Kruger, please ask the receptionist to step in.”
Jan opened the door and was heard asking, “Miss Bookings, please step in.”
Nervous and unsure, the chubby receptionist stood against the wall.
“Miss Bookings, thank you. Please relax. I want you to contact all of our ministers. All of them. They are to be here tomorrow at one o’clock, no exceptions. They are to cancel any plans and make tomorrow’s meeting.”
“But Miss Wilbon, tomorrow is …”
Michelle raised her hand and the timid receptionist fell quiet.
“Miss Bookings, I understand you are nervous. I also understand there are many activities planned for tomorrow, across the ministry. Tell the ministers to find replacements.
“Miss Bookings, if they are not in attendance tomorrow, they will be dismissed. Can you make the calls?”
“Yes, Miss Wilbon.”
Miss Bookings practically ran from the conference room. Michelle focused on the members at the table. She pointed to Gerry, then to the chair vacated by Mister Garminka. Misses McKenzie understood and made the symbolic move into her new role.
Davinder sat in the seat vacated by Misses McKenzie.
“Colonel Khatter is not a board member but will function as an adviser to me. Colonel Tanaka and Lieutenant Colonel Kruger are security for the next few weeks. This is not optional. Any questions? No? On to the new business. Misses McKenzie, I presume
the board members all signed a non-disclosure agreement.”
“Yes, Miss Wilbon.”
“Thank you. Before I begin, there will be consequences if what I am about to tell you is leaked. That means no local newspapers, no television news, no social media, nothing anywhere. No tweets, no posts, nothing.”
“Miss Wilbon, threats are never a good way to start.”
“Mister Goaden, you are correct. My apologies. Let me reframe my concern. If what I am about to tell you leaks before we communicate with the ministers tomorrow, you will be removed from the board and sued for violation of your non-disclosure agreement. Is that clear enough?
“Madame Secretary, please go around the table. Record each member’s name and their agreement to confidentiality.”
Michelle waited until the roster was complete before shocking the governing board of the Lite of Zion ministry.
Chapter Twenty
ᚳᚻᚪᛈᛏᛖᚱ ᛏᚹᛖᚾᛏᚣ
“In a world of complex threats, our security and leadership depend on all elements of our power, including strong and principled diplomacy.”
Barack Obama
“Thank you all for meeting on short notice. I know some of you drove for hours.”
Michelle was standing on the stage, looking at the front row. The six full-time and five part-time ministers sat motionless, listening. The seven ministry board members sat in the second row. Stage right, the ministry’s secretary sat at a small table, scribing the discussion. Himari and Jan sat on the aisles in the fifth row, bracketing the board and the ministers. Davinder sat dead center of the church auditorium in row ten, facing the stage.
“Open your folders. Please read the summary page and the sermon outline. I will wait.”
Michelle watched the ministers reading. Only two, she noticed, grimaced at what they were reading. When the last minister finished and looked up, she continued.
“Now read the brief on page three. Read it closely. I will wait.”
The same two ministers, she noticed, grimaced at what they were reading. When the last minister finished and looked up, again she continued.
BairnGefa- The Akashic Expedition Page 14